WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2010

City Unveils Renovations At Riviera Park

The City of Coral Gables invites the entire community to attend a ceremony on Tuesday, June 1, at 5 p.m. to celebrate the completion of Riviera Park’s extensive renovations. Located at 6611 Yumuri Street, Riviera Park underwent renovations which began last June and included the demolition and removal of concrete walkways, new electric light poles, site furniture, new playground with synthetic flooring, fencing, landscaping and irrigation system. The park also has a new gazebo and exercise trail with stations. Funding for this project was made possible by a $250,000 grant from the Florida Recreational Development Assistance Program and approximately $135,000 from Miami-Dade County’s General Obligation Bond. After the ceremony, light refreshments will be served. For more information, contact the Office of Public Affairs at 305-460-5205.  

Buon appetito: Liberty Caffé
Now Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

If you’re hungry for breakfast, lunch or dinner, stop by the newly open Liberty Caffé located at the historic Coral Gables Country Club at 997 North Greenway Drive. The venue opened on May 15 with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by venue owner Nick Di Donato and his family, Mayor Don Slesnick, Vice Mayor Bill Kerdyk Jr. and Commissioners Maria Anderson and Chip Withers. Caffé Liberty, open seven days a week from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., offers a delicious menu of Italian wraps, Panini, pizza bread, salads, soups and specialty coffees. Be sure not to miss the mouth-watering gelatos made in-house with machines imported from Italy. The operator of the Country Club, Coral Grand LLC, plans on opening a restaurant late this year and banquet facilities next year. A fitness center with pool and tennis courts is also slated to reopen this summer. For more information on Liberty Caffé, contact 305-392-0819. To view the full menu, click here.

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In the front, L-R, Nadia Di Donato, Nick Di Donato, Mayor Don Slesnick, Commissioner Maria Anderson and Vice Mayor Bill Kerdyk Jr.

Trolley Express Takes Children
From One Camp To Another

Registration is now in full swing for the City of Coral Gables Summer Camps available at the Youth Center. Sign up for your favorite half-day camps and we’ll take care of transportation on the Trolley Express which will take your children from morning half-day camp to their choice of afternoon half-day camp. Children will be escorted onto the trolley and supervised as they are transported from one camp to the other. The Trolley Express service is available on Half-Day Fun Camp, Petite Artist Camp, Summer Art Camp, Half-Day Sports Camp, John Crotty Basketball Camp, Sunblazer Soccer Camp, Smash & Splash Tennis Camp, Jr. High Performance and Junior Development Tennis Camp; Junior Lifeguard Camp and Co-ed Gymnastics Camps. Summer camp begins June 14 through August 13. There are other camp activities available for children depending on their age and interest. Fees vary according to camp selection. The Coral Gables Youth Center is located at 405 University Drive. For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 305-460-5600.  

Indulge In Three-Course Meals
During Coral Gables Restaurant Week

More than 20 eateries in Downtown Coral Gables will participate in the third annual Restaurant Week scheduled for June 7-20, offering three-course meals at special prices. Restaurant Week menus feature the international flavor of participating restaurants’ signature dishes and represent savings of at least 20 percent off the regular menu. Guests can take a culinary world tour on Miracle Mile and the surrounding streets by visiting newcomers like Patagonia Home Made Products, an Argentinian-style gourmet market, or Angelique Euro Café, which brings to life the authentic flavors of Spain, Italy, France and Belgium. The journey continues to the Caribbean at Ortanique on the Mile, Peru at La Cofradia Ceviche Bar and Asia at Red Koi Thai & Sushi Lounge, just to name a few. Restaurant Week menus are available at both lunch and dinner depending upon the restaurant. Participating restaurants include Angelique Euro Cafe, Bangkok Bangkok II, Benihana, Caffe Abbracci, Chilorio’s Very Mexican, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Graziano’s Restaurant, John Martin’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, La Cofradia Ceviche Bar, Le Provencal, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Ortanique on the Mile, Pardo’s Peruvian Cuisine, Pasha’s, Patagonia, Por Fin Restaurant & Lounge, Red Koi Thai & Sushi Lounge, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Spris, Sushi Maki and The Bar. For more information, updates on restaurants and a complete list of menus, click here.  

Selecting The Most Beautiful Gardens In Coral Gables

If you want to admire this year’s best residential and commercial landscapes in Coral Gables, take a drive through 1407 Ferdinand Street; 250 Leucadendra Drive; 13014 San Jose Street; and 2500 and 2501 Ponce de Leon Blvd. These gardens were picked by the City of Coral Gables Landscape Beautification Advisory Board as the winners of this year’s Landscape Beautification Awards, the most beautiful examples of homegrown gardens that enhance the aesthetics and scenic view of our elegant city. These stunning gardens were honored on May 6 during the Annual Arbor Day Celebration organized by the city and the Coral Gables Garden Club on the grounds of the Merrick House. If there is a landscape in the city that catches your eye, you too can nominate a property for this yearly award by calling 305-460-5131.  

Green Movement Is On Display At Eco Expo

The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce and its Go Green Task Force will host the first Eco Expo and Green Luncheon on Thursday, May 27. The event takes place at the Hyatt Regency, 50 Alhambra Plaza, from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Eco Expo will provide the opportunity for businesses and consumers to convene in a single venue to showcase the impact that the green movement is having on every aspect of our economy and society, from energy and transportation to education, health and travel, among many other areas. The lunch features panelists who specialize in eco-centric and sustainability practices. A table-top expo begins at 10:30 a.m. showcasing the many ways local companies are advancing a sustainable and eco-friendly corporate environment. To learn more about the Go Green Task Force and the Eco Expo, call 305-446-1657 or click here.